Pardon My French Bakery, Cafe and Wine Bar

1565 Cliff Road, Thomas Lake Center, Eagan, Minnesota 55122

http://www.pardonmyfrench.eu/

I got the tip to try this place from our free local weekly paper a couple of weeks ago. The review was so mouth watering that I decided I MUST have this food in my mouth as soon as possible.

Upon entering it took us all of 2 seconds to decide that we wouldn't be leaving without dessert. We were welcomed into the surprisingly roomy cafe, filled with small tables and couches, by a luscious and atheistically pleasing selection of desserts. We ordered a couple of specialty coffees, the special of the day (a ham and cheese sandwich battered and fried with a fried egg on top), and their signature Tart Flambee figuring it would be worth the 25 minute wait. We were barely seated when our very generous coffees were brought out, and the sandwich followed soon after accompanied by a side of fries tossed with rosemary. We split the sandwich and were both pleased by the cheesy, fried gooeyness of it. We weren't sure how we were going to handle a second entree.

The cafe is a pleasant place to spend several hours with a book or the Sunday paper (as we did) and almost an hour went by without us really noticing. What happened to that tart? Well, it was still in the oven, burnt to a crisp. The staff apologized profusely and refunded our money, but honestly we were a little relieved. As an apology the manager offered two desserts of our choosing - we selected a Trilogie Chocolate Cake ($4.10) and a Passion Cake ($4.10), both about the size of large cupcake. We waited until the next evening to eat them, as we were still pretty full, and they were as delightful and satisfying as I could have imagined.

Great for: Leisurely afternoon of reading, Date night dinner (as long as it includes dessert), brunch

Other Notes: There are 2 computers with Internet available, a sizable fenced-in patio and bar seating.

Prices: Affordable. Coffee ($1.80-$3.50), Sandwiches ($6.50), Desserts ($1-$4.10), Tarts ($10.50-$14.50)

Ambiance: Relaxed, homey and casual

Drawbacks: Burnt Tart, Not for those who don't love BIG, savory flavors

Recommend?: Yes

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Citizen Cafe
2403 East 38th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407
http://www.thecitizencafe.com/


We'd driven past Citizen Cafe for almost a year (since it opened), before deciding this morning that we might as well give it a try. And we're glad we did.

I was immediately impressed upon entering; classic wood tables with clean white tablecloths and fabulous lighting. Surprisingly elegant after walking in from the bustling and slightly run-down 38th Street.

The menu seemed to offer a good variety without being too overwhelming and the service was just what we wanted - polite and prompt but not too intruding. After the waitress answered our litany of questions, we ordered a Pulled Pork Hash and an Organic Scramble (with bacon, shrooms and Gruyere). The food didn't take long and our taste buds were happy with the offerings. (Although we did spot someone who ordered the Brioche French Toast with fresh berries and felt a tinge of jealousy.) The pulled pork was inventive and delicious with golden beets, cubed potatoes, red peppers and blue cheese, topped with a fried egg. The scramble was complimented well with hash browns and generous serving of fresh fruit. The serving sizes were just right; not too stuffed but not leaving hungry. And the price was more than fair; just under $20 with two entrees and coffee.

All in all, we were pleasantly surprised to have found such a gem so close to our house. We asked to see a dinner menu to check out the fare before leaving, and it didn't take us long to decide that we would be back.

Great for: dinner for couples, brunch with friends, lunch with parents in town visiting
Prices: Affordable - entrees range from $6-$10 for breakfast, but go as high as $17 for dinner
Ambiance: Cozy and elegant
Drawbacks: You have to ask for water, and lack of real ketchup (the chef makes his own and it was a bit watery for my taste)
Recommend?: Yes

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